iPhone 16 Sales Could Take A Hit Due to Lack Of Extensive AI Features

Apple’s next flagship smartphone - the iPhone 16 series, is said to come with several notable upgrades, both on hardware as well as software front. The smartphone is also said to come with enhanced AI capabilities.

However, analysts aren’t betting big on the launch, predicting that the next flagship will only receive a handful of AI features. For those who skip buying a new iPhone in 2024, 2025 might have something in store for them with the iPhone 17 lineup, which is said to focus heavily on AI.

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iPhone 16 Series Sales Can Be Negatively Affected

iPhone 17 series is rumored to come packed with a plethora of AI features, alongside an increased RAM and larger NPUs. Both these features are required for running gen-AI seamlessly.

As per a note spotted by AppleInsider, JP Morgan analysts suggest that the lack of AI features in iPhone 16 could have a significant impact on the sales of the smartphone. This won’t be the first instance where Apple has been criticized for planning to launch an iterative update of the iPhone 15. Previously, Ming-Chi Kuo commented that the lack of impressive features could mean the company could suffer up to a 15% decline in shipments in 2024.

Besides, Barclays analysts also commented that there won’t be a huge difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, eventually affecting the sales. However, if reports are to be believed, the iPhone 16 will come with good enough hardware upgrades to run AI tasks without any hassle.

For instance, an earlier report suggested that the upcoming flagships will pack in more RAM, with the possibility of a larger Neural Engine thrown into the mix that will facilitate advanced functionality.

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iOS 18 To Come With Generative AI Features

Moreover, Apple’s iOS 18 is rumored to arrive with generative AI features that will rival ChatGPT. Besides, the company is said to upgrade the microphones to make it easier for Siri to process users’ commands accurately.

With several reports hinting towards an AI push from Apple with the iPhone 16, it comes as a surprise that JP Morgan analysts would make such a comment. Instead, they suggested that increased memory and NPUs will arrive in the regular iPhone 17, which will benefit gen-AI and regular usage.

All rumors will be put to rest when Apple launches the iPhone 16 later this year. It will be a glimpse of the company’s progress in the world of AI. However, it is advised to take everything with a grain of salt.